New Jersey lieutenant governor faces calls to resign after sexual harassment findings

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has called on Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell to resign after an investigation found he violated workplace discrimination and state ethics policies.

According to AP, a law firm hired by the governor’s office found Caldwell behaved inappropriately towards women and tried to help a state employee he was dating secure a promotion.

“The investigation found that the Lieutenant Governor engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office,” Sherrill said Thursday.

The report said Caldwell made an advance towards a staffer’s friend and, after being rejected, told the staffer, “you young women are looking for young sperm.”

Caldwell “categorically denies” making the remark, according to his lawyer Thomas Calcagni, who criticised the investigation as one-sided.

“The Lieutenant Governor was not provided a meaningful opportunity to address each of these anonymous allegations,” Calcagni said.

The investigation also found Caldwell attended several ticketed events with guests without paying for their admission.

Sherrill said Caldwell’s “ethical lapses” continued despite warnings and training and called his resignation “in the best interest of New Jersey residents.”

The governor cannot fire Caldwell because lieutenant governor is an independently elected position. However, the state legislature can impeach and remove him from office.